Horton Slough Trail – Pedestrian Bridge

RKE constructed two opposing reinforced concrete bridge abutments to support a 150-foot pedestrian bridge span across Horton Slough at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. The abutments were supported on helical pile foundations, reinforced with structural rebar, and included embedded kick plates; concrete was placed in multiple stages to maintain quality control and dimensional accuracy. Robotic survey control ensured both abutments met strict dimensional tolerances to receive the prefabricated bridge, so that no concrete grinding or rework was required prior to installation.

The prefabricated steel bridge arrived in two sections, each weighing approximately 17 tons. Three cranes were used during erection: two positioned on opposite sides of the slough to lift and control the sections (one lift exceeded standard thresholds and required an approved critical lift plan), and a third equipped with a jib and man basket for safe access during field splicing. RKE's scope included structural steel erection, bolt tensioning (verified with a Skidmore-Wilhelm device and calibrated torque wrenches), and adhesive anchoring. An asphalt approach was placed on both sides, and the surrounding area was restored with hydromulch, seeding, and site stabilization.